1
a
: the point around which a circle or sphere is described
broadly
: a point that is related to a geometrical figure in such a way that for any point on the figure there is another point on the figure such that a straight line joining the two points is bisected by the original point
called also center of symmetry
b
: the center of the circle inscribed in a regular (see regular entry 1 sense 3b) polygon
2
a
: a point, area, person, or thing that is most important or pivotal in relation to an indicated activity, interest, or condition
a railroad center
the center of the controversy
b
: a source from which something originates
a propaganda center
c
: a group of neurons having a common function
respiratory center
d
: a region of concentrated population
an urban center
e
: a facility providing a place for a particular activity or service
a day-care center
a shopping center
a medical center
3
a
: the middle part (as of the forehead or a stage)
b
often capitalized
(1)
: a grouping of political figures holding moderate views especially between those of conservatives and liberals
(2)
: the views of such politicians
The party's new policies show a shift toward the center.
(3)
: the adherents of such views
4
a
: a player occupying a middle position on a team: such as
(1)
: the football player in the middle of a line who passes the ball between his legs to a back to start a down
(2)
: the usually tallest player on a basketball team who usually plays near the basket
b
5
a
: either of two tapered rods which support work in a lathe or grinding machine and about or with which the work revolves
b
: a conical recess in the end of work (such as a shaft) for receiving such a center
centered; centering
ˈsen-t(ə-)riŋ 
ˈse-nər-iŋ
1
: to place or fix at or around a center or central area
center the picture on the wall
2
: to give a central focus or basis
centers her hopes on her son
the plot was centered on espionage
3
: to adjust (things, such as lenses) so that the axes coincide
4
a
: to pass (a ball or puck) from either side toward the middle of the playing area
b
: to hand or pass (a football) backward between one's legs to a back (see back entry 1 sense 3) to start a down
5
: to play center (see center entry 1 sense 4) on
center a line in hockey
: to have a specified center : focus
What prepositions are used with center?: Usage Guide
The intransitive verb center is most commonly used with the prepositions in, on, at, and around. At appears to be favored in mathematical contexts; the others are found in a broad range of contexts. Center around, a standard idiom, has often been objected to as illogical. The logic on which the objections are based is irrelevant, since center around is an idiom and idioms have their own logic. Center on is currently more common in edited prose, and revolve around and similar verbs are available if you want to avoid center around.
Synonyms
Examples of center in a Sentence
Noun
the center of the room
The staircase is in the center of the building.
They are at the center of a furious debate over whether or not to expand the city's public transportation system.
The vaccine is being tested at several medical centers around the country.
Verb
Center the picture on the wall.
centered administrative duties under the command of a single person
Recent Examples on the Web
American Booksellers Association, USA TODAY, 22 Dec. 2024
Most recipes recommend an oven temperature of 250 degrees for the first several hours of cooking or about 3 1/2 to 4 hours for a bone-in roast, or until the roast reaches 115-120 degrees in the center, depending on the size of the roast.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 21 Dec. 2024
David Browne, Rolling Stone, 22 Dec. 2024
The first three novels form a trilogy centered around protagonist Katniss Everdeen, while the fourth book, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, is a prequel, delving 64 years into the past.
—Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for center 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Noun
Virginia Highland Books is in the center of beautiful, historic Virginia-Highlands, located on the corner of Virginia and N. Highland Avenues.
—American Booksellers Association, USA TODAY, 22 Dec. 2024
Most recipes recommend an oven temperature of 250 degrees for the first several hours of cooking or about 3 1/2 to 4 hours for a bone-in roast, or until the roast reaches 115-120 degrees in the center, depending on the size of the roast.
—Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 21 Dec. 2024
Verb
Other music scenes around the country have been resurrected and romanticized — most notably the one centered around Laurel Canyon in L.A.
—David Browne, Rolling Stone, 22 Dec. 2024
The first three novels form a trilogy centered around protagonist Katniss Everdeen, while the fourth book, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, is a prequel, delving 64 years into the past.
—Boutayna Chokrane, Vogue, 21 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for center
Dictionary Entries Near center
Cite this Entry
“Center.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/center. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
center
1 of 2 noun
cen·ter
ˈsent-ər
1
: the point inside a circle or sphere that is an equal distance from all the points on the edge
2
a
: a place in or around which an activity takes place or from which something begins
the center of the scandal
b
: a place for a particular activity or service
a day-care center
c
: a group of neurons that have a common purpose
respiratory center
3
: the middle part (as of a stage)
4
: a player occupying a middle position on a team
center
2 of 2 verb
centered; centering
ˈsent-ə-riŋ
ˈsen-triŋ
1
: to place or fix at or around a center or central area
2
: to give a central focus
the story is centered on his adventures
3
: to collect at or around a center
Medical Definition
center
noun
cen·ter
variants
or chiefly British centre
: a group of nerve cells having a common function
the brain stem's respiratory center
called also nerve center
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